The CAS Centre for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, in partnership with Fudan University’s Huashan Hospital, implants a coin-sized flexible electrode array into the motor cortex of a tetraplegic volunteer. This ultra-thin neural interface, featuring 32 sensors per tip, harvests real-time neural signals to drive a computer cursor, demonstrating stable integration, minimal tissue disruption, and potential expansion to robotic limb control in ALS and paralysis therapies.

Key points

• Ultra-thin flexible electrode array (~1/100 human hair width) with 32 microelectrodes per tip enables high-fidelity neural recording.
• Sub-30-minute implantation via 5mm cranial opening guided by 3D neuroimaging ensures precise placement above motor cortex.
• Real-time decoding of neural action potentials allows cursor control, demonstrating potential for future robotic limb integration in ALS/paralysis.

Why it matters: This ultra-thin, flexible brain-computer interface could revolutionize neural rehabilitation by offering stable, low-impact long-term control over assistive devices.